Nison-in Kyoto
A tranquil Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage and serene gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors
Nison-in Kyoto
Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage and serene gardens.
"Accidently happened across this temple... so glad we did. One of my favorite temples in Kyoto."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍁 Visit in Autumn
The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Autumn Foliage Path
Temple Approach
A stunning tunnel of vibrant red and orange maple leaves, creating a magical, almost Ghibli-esque atmosphere.

Peaceful Temple Grounds
Main Temple Area
Expansive and quiet gardens with historical graves, offering a serene space for reflection and exploration.

Panoramic City Views
Uphill Lookout Point
A rewarding climb offers sweeping vistas of Kyoto, especially beautiful during sunset or with autumn colors.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Time for Autumn Colors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍁 Visit in Autumn
The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond
It's a peaceful walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, offering a quieter alternative.
💰 Pay at Entrance
Admission fee is required to enter the temple grounds. Be prepared with cash.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially if exploring the historical graves. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍁 Visit in Autumn
The temple's approach is famous for its stunning autumn leaves. It's considered the best season to visit for vibrant colors.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond
It's a peaceful walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, offering a quieter alternative.
💰 Pay at Entrance
Admission fee is required to enter the temple grounds. Be prepared with cash.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The temple offers many picturesque spots, especially the foliage-lined path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nison-in Temple is widely praised for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning beauty, especially its famous autumn foliage. Visitors appreciate the expansive grounds and the opportunity for quiet reflection, often discovering it as a delightful, less crowded alternative to more popular sites. Some note the uneven paths require careful footing, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"Accidently happened across this temple on the way to another one, and so glad we did. It is hands down one of my favorite temples in Kyoto. It is so peaceful with the garden and you can explore parts of the temple grounds. Easily spent an hr here and would come back again."
Mikayla S
"Very large temple grounds. We spent easy an hour plus walking around. There are vending machines after you enter the grounds as well."
James
"Beautiful temple, very quiet and peaceful & quite a few areas to explore. A bit of a walk from the bamboo forest but we had no idea about this temple, we walked by and saw it & made the spontaneous decision to go in, best decision! There was one other tourist! Pay at entrance."
Melissa Jayne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nison-in Temple is a pleasant walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, often described as a 'hidden gem' temple nearby. It's a bit of a walk, but worth it for the tranquility.
Yes, Nison-in Temple is accessible by public transport. You can take a train to Saga-Arashiyama Station and then enjoy a walk to the temple.
Nison-in Temple is located in the Arashiyama district, which is a short train ride from central Kyoto. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
While trains are a common way to reach Arashiyama, local buses also serve the area. Check specific bus routes from your location in Kyoto for the most direct access.
Many visitors combine a visit to Nison-in Temple with other Arashiyama attractions. Walking from the Bamboo Forest is a popular and scenic option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter Nison-in Temple. Visitors are advised to be prepared with cash for the entrance payment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official temple website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for Nison-in Temple. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the entrance.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly at the temple or check their official website for any potential offers.
The Japan Rail Pass covers train travel to Kyoto and within certain areas, but it does not cover admission fees for temples like Nison-in.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds and gardens, but it's always good practice to be respectful and check for any specific signage indicating restricted areas.
The approach lined with autumn leaves is a prime photo spot. The serene gardens and the lookout point with city views also offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photography experience. Autumn afternoons are particularly popular for the foliage.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at most temples and cultural sites in Japan to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the preservation of the site. Always check local regulations.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide-angle garden shots and details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend at least an hour exploring the temple grounds and gardens. If you plan to hike to the lookout point, allow extra time.
Yes, there are vending machines available on the temple grounds. Restroom facilities are also typically available for visitors.
The main temple grounds are relatively flat, but some areas, especially the historical graves and the lookout point, involve uneven paths and inclines. Visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution.
Nison-in is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the busier tourist spots in Kyoto.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, you can explore the grounds at your own pace or consider hiring a private guide for a more in-depth experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Autumn at Nison-in
While autumn is the peak season, the temple's beauty is not limited to this time. Visiting in early spring offers a different kind of tranquility, with fresh greenery and a peaceful ambiance before the summer crowds arrive. Regardless of the season, the temple grounds provide a serene environment for contemplation and enjoying nature's beauty.
To fully appreciate the autumn colors, visiting during weekday afternoons is often recommended to avoid the peak weekend crowds. This allows for a more immersive experience of the vibrant foliage and the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
Exploring the Serene Grounds
For those seeking a bit more adventure, a path leads up to a lookout point offering lovely views eastward over the city of Kyoto. This climb can be a bit uneven and slippery, so wearing good shoes is advised. The panoramic vista from the top provides a different perspective of the city, especially rewarding during sunset.
Many visitors stumble upon Nison-in Temple accidentally while en route to other Arashiyama attractions, like the Bamboo Forest. They often find it to be a delightful surprise and a welcome respite from the more crowded tourist spots, making it a highly recommended 'hidden gem' for those seeking a more tranquil experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit